an absolute must

USAGE SUMMARY

'an absolute must' is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express something that is essential or required. For example, "The use of seat belts in cars is an absolute must."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"This is an absolute must".

The New York Times

But flash headphones are an absolute must.

The New York Times

Having established that bread is an absolute must, I must decide when to add it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When in Salzburg, attending a performance of classical music is an absolute must.

The Guardian

A cocktail there is an absolute must before you descend to the restaurant for supper.

The Guardian - Travel

They took that to mean that jeans were forbidden and shoes an absolute must.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

This place is an absolute must-visit.

The Guardian - Travel

Next week's match up is an absolute must-watch.

The New York Times

There are no thoughts of not winning this week, it's an absolute must-win game".

The Guardian - Sport

"Google search is an absolute must-have for every marketer in the world".

The New York Times - Tech

Pros: If you're in Los Angeles, this is an absolute must-see on the Hollywood circuit.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an absolute must" to clearly communicate that something is essential and cannot be avoided. For example, "Proper planning is "an absolute must" for a successful project."

Common error

While effective, avoid overusing "an absolute must". Vary your language with synonyms like "essential", "vital", or "indispensable" to maintain writing interest and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absolute must" functions as a noun phrase that emphasizes the essential nature of something. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, showcasing its role in highlighting requirements or necessities across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

29%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an absolute must" is a common phrase used to emphasize the essential nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it serves to highlight indispensable actions or elements. While versatile, be mindful of overuse and consider more formal alternatives in certain contexts. The phrase effectively conveys critical importance, making it a valuable tool in persuasive and informative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly essential

Emphasizes the completeness and undeniable nature of the necessity.

absolutely essential

Highlights the essential nature of something, similar to the original phrase but using different wording.

unquestionably necessary

Focuses on the lack of doubt surrounding the necessity of something.

completely vital

Stresses the life-or-death importance of something.

totally indispensable

Highlights the inability to do without something.

of the essence

Emphasizes the crucial and defining importance of something.

a mandatory requirement

Formalizes the necessity as a strict condition.

a non-negotiable

Indicates something that cannot be compromised or avoided.

critical imperative

Highlights the urgency and importance of something.

cannot be skipped

Highlights something that it is impossible to skip.

FAQs

How can I use "an absolute must" in a sentence?

Use "an absolute must" to emphasize that something is essential or indispensable. For instance, "Following safety protocols is "an absolute must" in this environment."

What can I say instead of "an absolute must"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly essential", "absolutely essential", or "completely vital" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "an absolute must" in formal writing?

Yes, "an absolute must" is generally acceptable in formal writing, though consider alternatives like "a mandatory requirement" or "a non-negotiable" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "an absolute must" and "a necessity"?

"An absolute must" emphasizes the critical and unavoidable nature of something, while "a necessity" simply indicates something that is needed. "An absolute must" implies a higher degree of importance and urgency than "a necessity".